Council installs alert system to aid deaf people in emergencies

by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
02/05/2006

Council installs alert system to aid deaf people in emergencies

Hammersmith & Fulham Council has a new system to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing know when an alarm has gone off in council public buildings, which was unveiled today as part of Deaf Awareness Week.  

The Deaf Alerter fire alarm warning system means deaf people can access a small, hand-held device when entering council buildings, which then vibrates to let the person know if an alarm has been sounded.

LBHF engineer, Mike Fatyga, from the Council's Building Technical Services department  commented: "With one in seven people in the UK experiencing hearing problems, it was natural for us to think about developing a system so that everyone can get the message when they need to evacuate a building. The Deaf Alerter will improve safety in our council buildings.

"We want to make sure our facilities are accessible to everyone and we feel we have found the solution with the Deaf Alerter system which meets all relevant standards and legislation. The safe management of an emergency relies upon all people in the building receiving clearly understood information, including disabled people."

Whether you’re an employee or visiting a council building you can borrow an Alerter. When entering a building installed with Deaf Alerter you will see the nationally recognised signs – look out for them on the entrances of:
Barclay House – Social Services , Fulham Town Hall, Hammersmith Library, Hammersmith Town Hall, Hammersmith Housing, Highmaster House, Riverview House, 145 King Street - Social Services.

For more information on the Deaf Alerter, visit www.deaf-alerter.com or contact 
+44 (0)1332 363981 or Text / Minicom +44 (0)1332 291921